Make these 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies with brown sugar in just minutes! Perfect for a quick, delicious treat that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Peanut butter cookies are a classic favorite, and when you’re craving something sweet, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds without any fuss. With just four simple ingredients, you can make a batch of chewy, sweet cookies that are perfect for any occasion. These 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies with brown sugar are the ultimate treat, and they come together quickly and easily!
Why Choose 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies?
Simplicity Meets Flavor
Sometimes, simplicity is key to a great recipe. With only four ingredients, these cookies are quick to prepare and bake, making them the perfect choice for a last-minute sweet treat. Plus, the combination of peanut butter and brown sugar creates a rich, indulgent flavor that will leave you coming back for more.
Budget-Friendly Baking
Not only are these cookies simple to make, but they’re also budget-friendly! You likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry, making it easy to whip up a batch without breaking the bank. Peanut butter cookies are a great option when you’re on a tight budget but still want to enjoy something homemade and delicious.
Key Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cookies with Brown Sugar
Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies with brown sugar:
- 1. Peanut Butter – 1 cup (smooth or crunchy)
Peanut butter is the star ingredient in this recipe. Choose the type that you prefer, whether it’s smooth or chunky, both will give the cookies a rich peanut flavor.
- 2. Brown Sugar – 1 cup (packed)
Brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the cookies, along with a hint of caramel flavor. Be sure to pack it firmly in the measuring cup for accuracy.
- 3. Egg – 1 large
The egg helps bind the ingredients together and contributes to the soft texture of the cookies.
- 4. Baking Soda – 1 teaspoon
Baking soda acts as the leavening agent, helping the cookies rise slightly and giving them the right texture.
These simple ingredients come together to create a perfect cookie that’s both quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Making 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies is quick and easy! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you bake perfect cookies in no time.
1. Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. Measure out your ingredients and make sure your peanut butter is at room temperature. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Use a spoon or a hand mixer to mix everything together until smooth. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, but still easy to work with.
3. Shaping the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, scoop out small portions of it using a spoon or your hands. Roll each portion into a ball about 1 inch in diameter and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
4. Pressing the Cookies
Take a fork and gently press down on each cookie ball to create a criss-cross pattern. This step not only makes the cookies look more traditional but also helps them bake evenly.
5. Baking the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as they can bake quickly depending on your oven. If you prefer softer cookies, remove them from the oven when they are just golden at the edges.
6. Letting the Cookies Cool
Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking.
Enjoy your freshly baked, 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies!
Looking for a version without eggs? Try these 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies (no egg).
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
To ensure your 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips and tricks:
1. Adjusting Consistency with Different Peanut Butters
Not all peanut butters are created equal. Some are runnier than others, which can affect the consistency of your cookie dough. If your peanut butter is very runny, you can add a little extra baking soda or a small amount of flour to help thicken the dough. On the other hand, if you’re using a thicker peanut butter, you might need to soften the dough with a tiny bit of milk.
2. Perfect Bake Time for Soft vs. Crunchy Cookies
The baking time is key to getting the texture you want. For soft and chewy cookies, take them out of the oven when the edges are golden, but the center is still soft. If you prefer crunchy cookies, let them bake for an extra minute or two, until they are evenly golden throughout. Make sure not to overbake, as they can become too hard.
3. Don’t Overmix the Dough
When mixing your dough, be sure to stir just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies. Gently mix the ingredients to avoid incorporating too much air or developing the dough too much.
4. Store Your Peanut Butter Cookies Properly
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will last for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours before eating.
5. Try Different Types of Peanut Butter
Feel free to experiment with different types of peanut butter. Natural peanut butter can give the cookies a slightly different flavor and texture. You may need to adjust the amount of sugar depending on how sweet the peanut butter is.
6. Chill the Dough for Better Results
If you have a little extra time, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, giving them a thicker, more substantial texture.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create the perfect batch of peanut butter cookies every time!
For a variation with flour, check out these simple 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies with flour.
Flavor Variations: How to Add Your Own Twist
While the classic 4-ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize the flavor and create a unique twist. Here are some fun variations you can try to elevate your cookies:
1. Add Chocolate Chips
If you love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, try adding chocolate chips to your dough. Stir in about 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips before baking. The gooey chocolate will melt into the cookies, creating a delightful treat!
2. Mix in Chopped Nuts
For an extra crunch and to amplify the peanut flavor, chop up some peanuts or any nuts of your choice. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the dough. Walnuts, almonds, or pecans also work well if you want to mix things up a bit.
3. Spice It Up with Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds a warm, cozy flavor to peanut butter cookies. Simply add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough along with the baking soda. The spice pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the brown sugar and the richness of the peanut butter.
4. Try a Salted Peanut Butter Version
For a salty-sweet contrast, use salted peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter. This brings a savory edge to your cookies. You can also sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies just before baking to enhance the salty flavor.
5. Add a Touch of Vanilla
For a more aromatic and rounded flavor, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to your dough. It will complement the sweetness of the brown sugar and add a lovely fragrance to your cookies.
6. Mix in a Little Coconut
If you like the tropical flavor of coconut, stir in about 1/4 cup of shredded coconut to the dough. This will give your cookies a slight chewiness and a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with peanut butter.
7. Make It Peanut Butter and Jelly
Turn your peanut butter cookies into a fun twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Once the cookies are baked and cooled, spread a thin layer of your favorite fruit jam or jelly between two cookies to create a delicious sandwich.
Feel free to experiment with these variations to find your favorite combination. Whether you add chocolate, nuts, or spices, you’ll be able to create a batch of cookies that’s truly your own!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Peanut Butter Cookies
While peanut butter cookies are simple to make, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the texture and flavor of your cookies. Avoiding these errors will help ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time!
1. Overmixing the Dough
One of the biggest mistakes when baking cookies is overmixing the dough. When you mix the ingredients too much, you incorporate too much air and develop the gluten, which can result in dense, tough cookies. Mix your dough just until the ingredients are combined for soft, chewy cookies.
2. Not Preheating the Oven
Preheating your oven is crucial for even baking. If the oven isn’t hot enough when you place your cookies inside, they may spread too much and become flat. Be sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature (350°F or 175°C) before you start baking, and always allow it to fully reach the set temperature before placing your cookie sheet inside.
3. Using the Wrong Type of Peanut Butter
Not all peanut butters are created equally, and the type you choose can affect the texture of your cookies. Natural peanut butter (which contains more oil) can make the dough too runny, while thick peanut butter may result in overly dense cookies. Stick to regular, creamy peanut butter (without added sugar or oil) for the best results.
4. Overbaking the Cookies
If you leave your cookies in the oven for too long, they can become dry and hard. Peanut butter cookies bake quickly, so keep an eye on them and check for doneness when the edges turn golden brown. For soft cookies, pull them out as soon as they’re golden around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
5. Skipping the Fork Criss-Cross Pattern
The fork criss-cross pattern on top of the cookies isn’t just for decoration—it helps the cookies bake evenly. If you skip this step, your cookies may not spread as evenly and may not achieve the right texture. Don’t forget to press down lightly on the dough with a fork before baking!
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be on your way to baking the perfect peanut butter cookies every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What can I substitute for brown sugar in this recipe?
You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different. For a more similar taste, you can use coconut sugar, or if you want a natural alternative, maple syrup can be used, though it might affect the texture.
Yes, these cookies freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling, place the cookies in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Simply let them thaw at room temperature before eating.
To make your cookies softer, bake them for a shorter time (around 8 minutes), and for crunchier cookies, extend the baking time by a minute or two. The baking time can be adjusted depending on how soft or crispy you like your cookies.
Both creamy and chunky peanut butter work well in this recipe. If you prefer a smoother texture, use creamy peanut butter. If you enjoy added texture and crunch, opt for chunky peanut butter. Either way, your cookies will taste delicious!
Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by ensuring your peanut butter is gluten-free and using gluten-free baking soda. If you’d like, you can also add a gluten-free flour blend for more structure in the dough.
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about a week. You can also store them in the freezer for up to three months to enjoy them later.
Conclusion
These 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies with brown sugar are the perfect treat for anyone craving something sweet and simple. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create delicious, soft cookies in no time. Whether you enjoy them as is or add your own twist with variations like chocolate chips or chopped nuts, they’re sure to be a hit every time. Follow the tips and tricks for perfect cookies, and don’t forget to experiment with different flavors to make them your own. Enjoy!
Want more 4-ingredient treats? Follow this easy guide on how to make 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies for more variations.
Try different versions like healthy peanut butter cookies or eggless peanut butter cookies for even more delicious options.
Happy baking! 🍪
Print
The Best 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies with Brown Sugar
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 cookies 1x
Description
Enjoy these quick and easy 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies made with brown sugar! These simple, soft, and chewy cookies are perfect for any occasion, requiring only a few pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup brown sugar (packed), 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon baking soda until smooth.
- Shape the dough: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Press the cookies: Gently press each dough ball with a fork to create a criss-cross pattern.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Peanut Butter: You can use either creamy or chunky peanut butter, depending on your texture preference.
- Brown Sugar: Ensure the brown sugar is packed for the correct measurement.
- Bake Time: For soft cookies, bake them for about 8 minutes; for crunchier cookies, increase the time slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 120kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g